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Jamaica to begin using 658 area code

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Charles Douglas, Senior manager for government and regulatory affairs at Cable and Wireless
By Lorraine Mendez
 
In another month, Jamaica should begin using the 658 area code, in addition to the existing 876.
 
This comes after the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) recently assigned a Central Office Code or number block with 10,000 telephone numbers under the new area code.
 
Telecommunications provider Cable and Wireless, which operates locally as FLOW, has confirmed that it was first to request the 658 number block from the OUR.
 
Charles Douglas, the company's senior manager for government and regulatory affairs, says FLOW has already started preparatory work for implementation of the new area code, adding that it will be assigned to mobile numbers. 
 
"There is a process of engaging locally and internationally to have the number configured on the network and recognised by partner carriers. My understanding is that they’ve only assigned 658 to us thus far and it is to be used with mobile numbers. My expectation is that subsequently, at another time, it is very possible that they could also make an assignment beginning with 658 for fixed numbers. But that is not yet the case," he advised.  
 
The OUR introduced mandatory 10-digit dialing on March 31, 2019 in anticipation of the implementation of the new area code. The additional 658 area code was introduced in May 30, 2018 to supplement the supply of numbers provided under the existing 876 area code.


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